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The data and quantification challenges for criminal justice work and reform

By Douglas A. Berman

I have been noting in a number of recent posts (examples here and here) the challenges of assessing through data the on-going medical marijuana and pot prohibition reform movements.  This interesting new op-ed by Amy Bach, which is headlined "Justice by the Numbers," effectively spotlights that good data and ready means of quantification poses an enduring challenge for lots of criminal justice work and reform.  Here are excerpts from her op-ed: In communities across the country, people use statistics on hospitals, schools and other public services to decide where to live or how to vote. But while millions of Americans deal with their local criminal courts as defendants and victims each year, there is no comparable way to assess a judicial system and determine how well it provides basic legal services...continue to full post

Full post as published by Sentencing Law and Policy on August 11, 2010 (boomark / email).